Mild urine leaking, unsure why it has started

[helpnavigateteens]

I’m 55, two children, no birth injuries. On HRT. I have only ever had stress incontinence (sneezing) on occasion. But recently I’ve realised I have a mild daily urine leak. I’m not aware at the time but there is odour by the end of the day.

I’m using pads/liners to manage it and have got back into pelvic floor exercises (I’d let that slip for several months).

Is it normal at my age to quite suddenly experience this? Just wondering if I should see the GP, if the exercises don’t help after a while.

Maybe you have a UTI? it might be worth checking it out just in case

Have you been constipated at all? I think this might have an impact

It is worth seeing your GP, you shouldn't have to live with this without being checked out.

You say you are on HRT but do your have separate vaginal oestrogen? If not that is a simple first thing to ask to try, it is really safe and often a fix for all sorts of pelvic organ issues at our stage if life.

Do you use vaginal oestrogen cream alongside the rest of your HRT? Vaginal atrophy can cause this as we have oestrogen receptors in the bladder and they can become a lot weaker with lack of oestrogen. Ovestin or Estriol cream is what you want to ask for. You need to use it consistently and persistently.

@helpnavigateteens this site is quite comprehensive.

You mention you're on HRT, dependent on the type, orally (pills) or systemic (eg patches, gels sprays) could exacerbate your condition,

Vaginal oestrogen is often recommended to treat menopause-related bladder issues, may be worth a chat with your GP or gynaecologist.

After reading about the benefits of vaginal oestrogen on here, I got it from my GP and my bladder is much more reliable!

Localised estrogen as well as systemic. Pessaries and cream.

Amazing, thank you everyone! My oestrogen is via gel only so it seems worth looking into vaginal. Thanks again.